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Top Bars To Celebrate Your Birthday In Philadelphia

January 10, 2013 7:00 AM

Sometimes you feel like a party, and sometimes you don’t — it’s okay. Whether you’re a wallflower or a party planner, finding the right bar for your birthday is the key to celebrating with success. With a little something for everyone of every age, these bars have been carefully handcrafted to provide you with everlasting memories … or lack thereof.

Sugar Moms
225 Church St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-8219www.myspace.com/sugarmomsLocated in Old City — through some winding alleyways and spitting you out near the exit — this is the sister of Tattooed Mom on South Street. With the same sort of punk rock feel, climb into a bumper car chair for two and pretend to take a ride. Chug cheap PBRs and play video games all night. Filling a very large basement of a building, there is always plenty of room to bring a crew of people for a birthday bash. Pool tables are also available, but sharks linger near all night, so get your quarters down as soon as you arrive.

Mixto
1141 Pine St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 592-0363www.mixtorestaurante.comThis restaurant sells huge, amazing margaritas that pack a pretty big punch. With a name like Mixto, you already know it has to be at least a little bit trendy, but it’s surprisingly not overpriced. Enjoy the Latin-infusion atmosphere and menu items ranging from guacamole served with plantain chips to crab empanadas and bandeja tipica, or come for an amazing brunch birthday party. Easily able to handle large groups of people, this is for more low-key birthday fun.

Good Dog Bar
224 S. 15th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 985-9600www.gooddogbar.comLike a well-behaved pooch, Good Dog Bar is always reliable, fair and fun, especially if you can snag the pool table for some healthy birthday rivalry. Situated in Rittenhouse Square, enjoy this solid Center City spot known for its great burgers, sweet potato fries, generous pours and a good beer selection. Kick back in a no-frills spot with a feel that’s hard to find downtown. Good Dog delivers on delicious, gastropub-style food and friendly service — the duck potpie is all the rage.

North Bowl
909 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-2695www.northbowlphilly.comJust when you thought bowling wasn’t cool anymore, it was back in style, just like those ’80s legwarmers. North Bowl brings back the posh style of the ’50s bowling alley but kicks it up a notch with a full-service bar and upscale food choices (not many bowling alleys offer hummus and edamame as an appetizer!). If that impresses you, then so will the drink selection and the sparkly ambiance. Play some foosball, or get reunited with Ms. Pac Man. Make sure you get there early though, otherwise you may have a three-hour wait for a lane! North Bowl is a popular spot, making it hip to be square in Northern Liberties. Bring your birthday buddies during the weekdays, when North Bowl offers happy-hour specials for bowling and more.

Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar
1200 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 365-1169www.thehappybirthdaybar.comPerhaps the most obvious of the bunch, this bar is specifically designed for birthdays and entertainment and offers live music, karaoke and quizzo. Allegedly, every customer who walks through the door is greeted with “Happy Birthday!” Better still, this watering hole is close to Geno’s and Pat’s Steaks, so you can fill your belly with meat, cheese and bread after all of those birthday shots.